In the Exit 16W final, Summer Camp, as he has been in the legs, will still be the obvious choice. Even with his untimely break last week, he may prove more than capabile in this event.

But the main ones to watch are Thunder’s Fury and Ponda River. “Ponda” had a tough outside trip from the second tier and can be up to a big race. Thunder’s Fury had a hard time coming from the outside in leg two, so moving to the rail here may help.

The final of the Aquarius is the toughest of all the finals. Some performers were good in series legs, then struggled and then came back to race magificent the next week. The only ones we could find that may offer value are Art Professor and Malicious. The latter comes off a good trip last week and Art Professor came off the slop and finished second. There could be a case for any one in this field to win, so use your judgment if you play the race based on the lack of public support.

In the Jr. Trendsetter, Hot Shot Lawyer could be the upset choice. He recently made a move to the lead, was shuffled back and came back strongly to get second. Joe Palz and Mojo Terror will be the likely public choices in this field. Also watch for a big move from Cobalt Man.

In the Tender Loving Care, Some Girls Do will be the heavily bet favorite. But the public should ignore Mystical Diva, who figures since she has had some rough trips; things might go her way in this.

Last of all, the C&C final has also been a tough one to figure. Still, the one to watch here is Shangai Lil, who is slowly regaining her form from last season. She closed well last week but settled for fourth. She will come from the 5 hole here, which may help her.

Pick-4 Meadowlands Mania

Race 6-(6) Malicious came up after Code Word left the field, by just beating Allthatgltrsisgold, he could be tough to beat at a price. (8) Art Professor raced well over a fast track after coming off the slop.

Race 7-(1) Hot Shot Lawyer made two moves last week and still finished second. If he gets a good trip he is the valued upset choice. (9) Cobalt Man was gelded last week and got his first victory but the post here may hurt.

Race 8-(1) Thunderfist made good late move last time out and could go back to back. (4) Got It Seeled N was a victim of interference last week and could show what he’s got this week.

Race 9-(1) Corky Baran finally steps down in to a good class and gets the rail, which may help the longshot. (3) Zepplin Blue Chip could do better this week; the step down may help.

Our ticket is $16, throw out horses and add if needed.

Cal ExoticThis week’s quartet of races making up the no-takeout late Pick 4 at Cal Expo are sprinkled with local repeat winners, horses coming off of peculiar and unproductive trips and a few that have been rested. Again, we remind you to treat our suggested contenders as individual win bets as well as adding them to your ticket. You be the judge of which are worth the plays based on odds.

Race 10 – Satire (5) soared late to make up a ton of ground but was a beaten favorite, coming in second to the rail horse here, Little Box Out. That one had a perfect trip and is not expected to repeat. Bob Lee (7) also showed dangerous late foot in his last and was well played at 4-1.

Race 11 – This could be the toughest leg, with only a few recent trips that deserve notice. The long-awaited wakeup of Freedomize (5) could happen in this weak field. At 7-1 last out he was hung badly through three calls. El Real Grande (4) can also be used coming from condender status in last week’s ticket and a race where he finished third, also at 7-1.

Race 12 – Two return winners (The Future and Columbia Court) are in this field but neither won very impressively. So, check out the best failing trips from last week with Jet Tet Tet (4), Mad River Hanover (8) and Big Guy Two Win (1). “Jet” was third, closing strongly late at 13-1; “Mad” won the week before last and was still in top shape when he came second from far back last week; “Big” has tough early foot and was hung while leading before fading from the effort.

Race 13 – Two more of last week’s winners show up here. Thatsmyson (1) looked best and was powerful at 2-1. Closing well and finishing second, TJ Beach Poker (2) deserves a shot here.

Our ticket reads: 5,7/5,4/4,8,1/1,2, which is $24.

Watch List Action

At Pompano on Feb. 19, we are considering two horses. In Race 3, Daley Deposit Only (3) and in Race 4, Gentleman Friend (9). At The Meadows on Feb. 18, we have Summer Hope (2) in Race 2; Andovermetreasure (5) in Race 9; and RC Curiosity (6) in Race 13.

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Welcome to the TwinSpires Blog. Our contributors will be continually updating posts to offer commentary, insight, advice and expert opinions on horse racing and wagering. The goal is to help you win more and become a better all around horse player.

Contributors

TwinSpires' horse racing author, handicapper, and podcast host, Derek Simon of Denver, Colo. offers his insightful, humorous and sometimes controversial take on the horse racing industry. He even publishes the ROI on the picks he gives out.

The Director of Marketing for Bloodstock Research Information Services (BRIS) and a lifelong Thoroughbred racing enthusiast and astute handicapper, Ed joined Churchill Downs Inc. following nine years as a writer and editor with Thoroughbred Times.

A writer and editor who has been following horse racing for fifteen years. Peter has written books for the Daily Racing Form Press; Crown; and Simon and Schuster; among other publishers, and regular features in The Horseplayer Magazine.